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APO-Prednisone 2.5mg
Apo-Prednisone general information
What is Apo-Prednisone used for?
Apo-Prednisone is a steroid medication used in wide range of inflammatory, allergic and immune disorders to suppress clinical symptoms of the disease. Amongst their many applications, Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg are used to reduce inflammation in conditions where the immune system is overactive, like severe asthma, acute outbreaks of eczema and severe allergies; to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or Crohn's disease, where the body’s immune system is directed against self, and to prevent rejection following organ transplant. Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg are also used as an anti-cancer medication along with other drugs, to treat certain tumours like leukemia and lymphoma, and to replace a lack natural corticosteroid in conditions where there is not enough produced, such as underactive adrenal glands.
How does Apo-Prednisone work?
Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg contain prednisone, which is a synthetic glucocorticoid, similar to the naturally occurring cortisol and its metabolite hydrocortisone, with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressant properties. Prednisone has widespread effects acting on most tissues in the body to modify, glucose, fat, protein and calcium metabolism. The major therapeutic actions of prednisone are to reduce the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells to reduce the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation; to modify the actions of cells involved in the allergic response, and to suppress the immune system to prevent rejection following organ transplant. Prednisone in Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg also have anti-cancer properties and are used to prevent growth of certain tumours like leukemia and lymphoma. The duration of action of Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets is approximately 18 to 36 hours, depending on the condition used for.
What does Apo-Prednisone contain?
Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg contain the active ingredient prednisone which is a synthetic glucocorticoid used to treat a wide range of inflammatory, allergic and immune disorders. They also contain lactose and corn starch.
What doses of Apo-prednisone are available?
Apo-Prednisone tablets are available from Inhouse Pharmacy in doses of 2.5, 5mg and 20mg tablets.
Treating inflammation with Apo-Prednisone
Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg contain prednisone, which is a synthetic glucocorticoid, similar to the naturally occurring cortisol and its metabolite hydrocortisone, with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressant properties. Apo-Prednisone tablets are used in a wide range of inflammatory disorders, to suppress clinical symptoms of the disease where, inflammation is caused by many different factors, for example, where the immune system is overactive, like severe asthma, acute outbreaks of eczema and severe allergies; autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is directed against self, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or Crohn's disease. The anti-inflammatory actions of prednisone in Apo-Prednisone tablets 2.5mg are to block the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells which reduces the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation.
What are the side effects of Apo-Prednisone?
The most commonly reported side effects when using Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets include: increased susceptibility to infection, muscle or bone aches and pains, weight gain, thinning of skin, bone demineralisation, slow wound healing, acne, redistribution of body fat creating the typical moon face, altered vision.
What are the health risks of taking Apo-Prednisone?
Long term use of Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently. This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring. Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets may also cause decreased bone mineral density, if used for long periods. Long term use of steroids may be associated with a range of side effects such as; round face, altered body shape, altered hair growth, thinning of the bones, decreased resistance to infection, increased blood pressure and diabetes.
When should Apo-Prednisone not be used?
You should not use Prednisone if you:
- are allergic to prednisone or any of the ingredients in Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets
- have thyroid, stomach, heart, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, mood disorders, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis
- have any infectious disease, acute infection, systemic fungal infection, tuberculosis, uncomplicated viral hepatitis
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding
- are due to receive a vaccination with a live virus vaccine
- are taking medicines that may interact with Apo-Prednisone like anti-inflammatories such as; diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acidor naproxen; barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin or rifampicin, anticoagulants
- are taking diuretic medicines such as the thiazides or frusemide, these may cause increased loss of potassium when taken with Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets
How should Apo-Prednisone be taken?
The dose of Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets that you take, how often and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and as recommended by your doctor. You should take the prescribed dose with a glass of water with food. You should not stop taking Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets suddenly; withdrawal should be gradual to reduce risk of side effects.
How long should you take Apo-Prednisone?
You should continue to take your Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets suddenly; withdrawal should be gradual to reduce risk of side effects.
Missed dose of Apo-Prednisone
If you miss a dose of Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Apo-Prednisone be stored?
You should store your Apo-Prednisone 2.5mg tablets at room temperature below 30°C and protect from heat, light and moisture.
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Armour Thyroid 180mg
Armour Thyroid general information
What is Armour Thyroid used for?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone needed to regulate your body’s growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are a natural replacement hormone, derived from pig thyroid gland, containing both forms of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), which help to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets can also be used to help treat hypothyroidism caused by surgical removal of, or damage to the thyroid gland, as well as treating thyroid goitre (enlarged thyroid glands) and thyroid cancer. Another used for Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets is for a suppression test, to test for thyroid activity.
How does Armour Thyroid work?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). Thyroxine (T4) is converted to the more active form of thyroid hormone (T3) in the liver, kidney and other tissues of the body and T3 interacts with a specific receptor inside cells to stimulate proteins needed to manage and control a variety of processes, including how the body regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients and controls growth and development. Thyroid hormones regulate the production by the pituitary gland of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn controls how much thyroid hormone is produced. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets regulate TSH production in the same way and this is how it works when used for treating thyroid goitre or thyroid cancer by suppressing TSH production.
What does Armour Thyroid contain?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets contain a dessicated (dried) extract of pig thyroid glands, which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) in the ratio 4.22:1 of T4 to T3, as T3 is approximately four times as potent as T4 on a microgram for microgram basis. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets also contain dextrose, anhydrous microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, calcium stearate, opadry wehite (titanium dioxide used as a whitening agent)
What doses of Armour Thyroid are available?
Armour Thyroid tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 15mg thyroid extract (¼ grain) contains 9.5mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 2.25mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 30mg thyroid extract (½ grain) contains 19mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 3.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 60mg thyroid extract (1 grain) contains 38mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 90mg thyroid extract (1½ grain) contains 57mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 13.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 120mg thyroid extract (2 grain) contains 76mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 18mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 180mg thyroid extract (3 grain) contains 114mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 27mcg liothyronine (T3)
Treating underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) and substitutes for the lack of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) needed to regulate normal growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic thyroid hormones?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets contain an extract o produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). These hormones are therefore natural hormones compared to synthesised hormones found in some other preparations of thyroid medication. Both natural and synthetic hormones work in the same way to treat thyroid disease.
What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid?
Most of the side effects experienced with taking Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets indicate that your dose is too high and may need adjusting. These include: headache, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling nervous or irritable sweating, flushing, appetite changes, weight loss, muscle weakness/cramps, tremors.
When should Armour Thyroid not be used?
You should not use Armour Thyroid if you:
- are allergic to thyroid hormones or any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid tablets
- are looking for a treatment for obesity or to help you lose weight; this is not a weight loss product
- have thyrotoxicosis (untreated high thyroid hormone levels) or adrenal gland problems
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
- have a history of chest pain, heart attack, heart blood vessel problems, or other heart problems
- are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Armour Thyroid may affect your glucose tolerance
- are taking other medications that may interact with Armour Thyroid, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, cardiac glycosides like digoxin, cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine, antidepressants, anticoagulants
What medications interact with Armour Thyroid?
Several medications interact with Armour Thyroid and should either not be taken while you are taking Armour Thyroid or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Armour Thyroid: antacids that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine colestipol (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); iron supplement and vitamins with iron (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones) oestrogen replacement product or birth control pills
- Drugs that are affected by Armour Thyroid: anticoagulants, like warfarin because the risk of bleeding may be increased; insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose glipizide glyburide metformin
How should Armour Thyroid be taken?
Armour Thyroid should be taken with water on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. The dose of Armour Thyroid that you take should be as recommended by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 30 mg Armour Thyroid, with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the levels of T3 and T4 measured in the blood during treatment, so blood monitoring is important while you are taking Armour Thyroid. It usually takes several weeks to see normal levels of blood thyroid hormone levels after starting treatment and you may need to take Armour Thyroid for the rest of your life.
How long should you take Armour Thyroid ?
Since Armour Thyroid tablets are used to replace a thyroid hormone deficiency this is a long-term treatment and may be for the rest of your life.
Missed dose of Armour Thyroid
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Armour Thyroid be stored?
Keep your Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets in the bottle until it is time to take one. Store in a cool dry place away from light where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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Cholesterol Lowering
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Stomach / Intestines
Peptic ulcers and reflux
Gastric acid is needed for digestion of food. Gastric reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus causing heartburn (a burning feeling from the stomach towards the neck) and dyspepsia (indigestion and abdominal pain). Reflux disease, as this condition is commonly known, is usually due to damage or loss of normal function of the sphincter muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach that normally acts as a one-way valve and prevents backflow of stomach contents. Reflux can also damage the oesophagus causing oesophagitis or inflammation of the oesophagus.
Peptic ulcers are damage to the stomach lining (gastric ulcers) or the lining of the upper intestine (duodenal ulcers) and are caused by excess gastric acid production due to use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or by infection of the stomach with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Medications used to treat reflux and ulcers are based on reducing the amount of gastric acid produced and released into the stomach, and fall into two categories:
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and lansoprazole, which block the enzyme involved in producing gastric acid by stomach lining cells.
- H2-receptor antagonists like ranitidine, which block the gastric H2-receptor preventing the normal stimulation by histamine of gastric acid production.
Ulcer protection
Another treatment for peptic ulcers is using a cytoprotectant like sucralfate that forms a protective barrier over the ulcer from the damaging effects of gastric acid and digestive enzymes.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is when the stomach muscles do not work properly causing a partial paralysis of the stomach and delayed emptying of the contents. The result is that food stays too long in the stomach before emptying into the small intestine and this can put extra pressure on the esophageal sphincter. Gastroparesis is usually due to nerve damage and can be treated using a serotonin (5HT) receptor agonist like cisapride. This action stimulates stomach muscle contraction so that food can be moved out into the small intestine.
Stomach muscle spasm
Muscle spasm in the stomach can be caused by a variety of GI disorders, including peptic ulcers, reflux disease, infection or food intolerance. Muscle spasm can be treated symptomatically using an antispasmodics medication like propantheline that works as an anticholinergic by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that is involved in regulating intestinal smooth muscle contraction. This action allows the smooth muscle to relax, reducing muscle spasm.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of several different conditions, including, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, reaction to surgical anaesthetic and dysmobility, which is when the intestinal or stomach muscles do not work efficiently and movement of food through the GI tract slows down. The vomiting reflex originates in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the area postrema of the brain sending nerve messages to the vomiting centre of the brain. Medications used to relieve nausea and vomiting include two types of antiemetic:
- Serotonin receptor-antagonists like ondansetron that work by binding to specific 5HT3 receptors in the intestine and in the CTZ and block the transmission of nerve messages from the intestines and from the CTZ to the vomiting centre in the brain, which prevents the vomiting reflex from being triggered.
- Dopamine antagonist like domperidone and metoclopramide that work by binding to dopamine receptors in the CTZ blocking the transmission of nerve messages to the vomiting centre in the brain, which prevents the vomiting reflex from being triggered. They also have gastrokinetic action by interacting with nervous control of muscle contraction in the stomach and upper intestine, which helps relieve symptoms of dysmobility (when food processing slows down) and this also helps prevent vomiting.
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Armour Thyroid 120mg
Armour Thyroid general information
What is Armour Thyroid used for?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone needed to regulate your body’s growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are a natural replacement hormone, derived from pig thyroid gland, containing both forms of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), which help to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets can also be used to help treat hypothyroidism caused by surgical removal of, or damage to the thyroid gland, as well as treating thyroid goitre (enlarged thyroid glands) and thyroid cancer. Another used for Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets is for a suppression test, to test for thyroid activity.
How does Armour Thyroid work?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). Thyroxine (T4) is converted to the more active form of thyroid hormone (T3) in the liver, kidney and other tissues of the body and T3 interacts with a specific receptor inside cells to stimulate proteins needed to manage and control a variety of processes, including how the body regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients and controls growth and development. Thyroid hormones regulate the production by the pituitary gland of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn controls how much thyroid hormone is produced. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets regulate TSH production in the same way and this is how it works when used for treating thyroid goitre or thyroid cancer by suppressing TSH production.
What does Armour Thyroid contain?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets contain a dessicated (dried) extract of pig thyroid glands, which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) in the ratio 4.22:1 of T4 to T3, as T3 is approximately four times as potent as T4 on a microgram for microgram basis. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets also contain dextrose, anhydrous microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, calcium stearate, opadry wehite (titanium dioxide used as a whitening agent)
What doses of Armour Thyroid are available?
Armour Thyroid tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 15mg thyroid extract (¼ grain) contains 9.5mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 2.25mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 30mg thyroid extract (½ grain) contains 19mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 3.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 60mg thyroid extract (1 grain) contains 38mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 90mg thyroid extract (1½ grain) contains 57mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 13.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 120mg thyroid extract (2 grain) contains 76mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 18mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 180mg thyroid extract (3 grain) contains 114mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 27mcg liothyronine (T3)
Dose equivalent table for thyroid
hormone replacement drugs
The following
table provides the approximate equivalent strengths for various thyroid hormone
replacement drugs.
| DRUG |
Armour Thyroid (desiccated natural thyroid) |
Thyrolar
(Liotrix)
|
Cytomel
(liothyronine)
|
Levoxyl, Levothyroid. Synthroid
(levothyroxine)
|
| Approximate dose equivalent |
1/4 grain (15 mg) |
1/4 |
|
25 mcg
(.025 mg) |
| 1/2 grain (30 mg) |
1/2 |
12.5 mcg |
50 mcg
(.05mg) |
| 1 grain (60 mg) |
1 |
25 mcg |
100 mcg
(.1 mg) |
| 1 1/2 grains (90 mg) |
1 1/2 |
37.5 mcg |
150 mcg
(.15 mg) |
| 2 grains (120 mg) |
2 |
50 mcg |
200 mcg
(.2 mg) |
| 3 grains (180 mg) |
3 |
75 mcg |
300 mcg
(.3 mg) |
| Source: United States Pharmocopoeia |
Treating underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) and substitutes for the lack of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) needed to regulate normal growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic thyroid hormones?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets contain an extract o produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). These hormones are therefore natural hormones compared to synthesised hormones found in some other preparations of thyroid medication. Both natural and synthetic hormones work in the same way to treat thyroid disease.
What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid?
Most of the side effects experienced with taking Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets indicate that your dose is too high and may need adjusting. These include: headache, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling nervous or irritable sweating, flushing, appetite changes, weight loss, muscle weakness/cramps, tremors.
When should Armour Thyroid not be used?
You should not use Armour Thyroid if you:
- are allergic to thyroid hormones or any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid tablets
- are looking for a treatment for obesity or to help you lose weight; this is not a weight loss product
- have thyrotoxicosis (untreated high thyroid hormone levels) or adrenal gland problems
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
- have a history of chest pain, heart attack, heart blood vessel problems, or other heart problems
- are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Armour Thyroid may affect your glucose tolerance
- are taking other medications that may interact with Armour Thyroid, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, cardiac glycosides like digoxin, cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine, antidepressants, anticoagulants
What medications interact with Armour Thyroid?
Several medications interact with Armour Thyroid and should either not be taken while you are taking Armour Thyroid or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Armour Thyroid: antacids that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine colestipol (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); iron supplement and vitamins with iron (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones) oestrogen replacement product or birth control pills
- Drugs that are affected by Armour Thyroid: anticoagulants, like warfarin because the risk of bleeding may be increased; insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose glipizide glyburide metformin
How should Armour Thyroid be taken?
Armour Thyroid should be taken with water on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. The dose of Armour Thyroid that you take should be as recommended by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 30 mg Armour Thyroid, with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the levels of T3 and T4 measured in the blood during treatment, so blood monitoring is important while you are taking Armour Thyroid. It usually takes several weeks to see normal levels of blood thyroid hormone levels after starting treatment and you may need to take Armour Thyroid for the rest of your life.
How long should you take Armour Thyroid ?
Since Armour Thyroid tablets are used to replace a thyroid hormone deficiency this is a long-term treatment and may be for the rest of your life.
Missed dose of Armour Thyroid
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Armour Thyroid be stored?
Keep your Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets in the bottle until it is time to take one. Store in a cool dry place away from light where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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